If your child is like most, this month they are looking forward to passing out paper Valentines and candy hearts. While you and your little one are busy getting ready for a fun February 14th, your family’s dentist encourages you to celebrate something else, too — Children’s Dental Health Month! Keep reading to find out more about how you can honor your child’s smile this month, and all year long.
Why Children’s Dentistry Matters
Getting professional attention for your child’s smile will help to keep it growing healthy and strong into adolescence and beyond. Your little one’s teeth are so pearly and white, and seeing that smile is probably one of the best parts of your day — and we want to keep it that way! Kids’ teeth are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay between the ages of 6 and 14, while their permanent teeth are coming in and the enamel is hardening. Excellent dentistry and oral hygiene are of the utmost importance for your child’s smile during this time.
Kids Need to Visit the Dentist Regularly, Too
Did you know that children should visit the dentist twice every year? Having a checkup and cleaning every six months helps their growing teeth come in healthy and strong. During this appointment, our dental hygiene team will clean away any plaque and tartar that may have formed around their teeth and gums and also talk them (and you!) through better tips for hygiene at home (more on that below). We will take X-rays and the dentist will check for spots of tooth decay or other issues that can develop on young teeth. When detected early, these issues can usually easily be fixed. Sometimes cavities can actually be reversed to help your child avoid the need for a filling at all.
At-Home Hygiene Tips for Your Favorite Smile
Of course, what you do between visits to the dentist is just as important for your little one’s teeth and gums. Developing a strong at-home oral hygiene routine will go a long way in helping them avoid tooth decay. And, just in time for Children’s Dental Health Month, we have some tips to help!
- Observe and assist your child as they brush for two minutes, twice a day. Set a timer or sing a song to make sure you reach the full two minutes (or get as close as possible) every single time.
- Floss teeth daily.
- If you meet resistance to oral hygiene habits, encourage the whole family to brush and floss at the same time. Making it a team effort can be helpful for reluctant children.
- Keep a progress chart to help your child visualize the difference brushing and flossing makes over time. Set small rewards for milestones, like one week of good habits, for example.
Last but not least, the most important thing you can do to encourage healthy oral hygiene attitudes at home is to have one yourself! Talk about the importance of dentistry and make sure you value brushing and flossing, too. There’s never been a better time to refresh your attitudes about your family’s oral hygiene habits than during Children’s Dental Health Month! We invite you to schedule an appointment with your children’s dentist in Dallas, GA by contacting Distinctive Dentistry at 770-445-6606.
